> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://xdex.gitbook.io/xdex/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://xdex.gitbook.io/xdex/xdex/overview.md).
# Overview
XDEX is a Simple, fast, safe and trustworthy decentralized exchange (DEX).
XDEX is a decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol offering **perpetuals market** bundled into one vertically integrated application on Xlayer.
Trading opportunities abound in both the traditional finance and newer cryptocurrency markets as traders continuously seek new innovations to further build their wealth. Both trading markets, however, have one thing in common — a centralized trading model, where a single entity has control over a trader’s account and assets.
In the case of cryptocurrency, a centralized exchange (CEX) would own a trader’s private keys and digital assets, leaving them vulnerable to unforeseen situations such as bank runs, or the removal of withdrawal and trading services for an asset or trading pair. The lack of full ownership and open access threatens the sustainability of wealth preservation and growth for traders — the centralized trading framework is no longer sufficient in helping to meet their needs.
Traders expect faster, cheaper, and more efficient trades, no matter where they are located. Additionally, an increasing number of traders are constantly looking out for easy entry into trading innovations in new cryptocurrency trading ecosystems built with more sophistication.
XDEX intends to solve the pain points of **(1) limited global access, (2) unsatisfactory trade performance, and (3) insufficient security and privacy protection**, with a simple but dynamic solution .
> **XDEX is non-custodial, meaning users always retain control over their assets on-chain.**
>
> **Trading accounts on XDEX are universally cross-margined by default.**
A user’s portfolio (i.e., multiple open positions’ liability) is shared across a single trading account to offset the margin between open positions. Calculations of portfolio health are performed automatically, and available capital is deployed to manage the margin requirements of open positions across the one primary products:
**Perpetuals**
Capital efficiency is maximized as universally margined trading accounts enable:
* **Reduced initial margin requirements.**
* **Improved risk-reward optimization.**
* **Better risk management**.
XDEX provides a powerful, streamlined trading experience for DeFi：
* **Trade Perpetuals** – **Buy and sell your favorite assets. Trade utilize leverage on perpetuals to amplify exposure or hedge risk**.
* **Universal Cross-Margin** - **Take advantage of portfolio margining. Manage one universal margin account comprising all of your balances and positions to maximize capital efficiency — no more switching between accounts**.
* **Lightning-Fast Speed** – **XDEX is as fast as your favorite CEX with order-matching latency of 10 - 30 milliseconds. Execute trades seamlessly**.
* **Self-Custody** – **XDEX is non-custodial. Only you have control over your assets. Take back control from CEXs**.
* **Intuitive & Streamlined App** - **Tap into a sophisticated yet simple UI. Integrated on/off-ramps and bridging, so you don’t need to leave the app**.
The combination of XDEX’s lightning-fast performance, efficient liquidity utilization suite begets a trading experience competitive with leading centralized exchanges. XDEX simultaneously preserves the advantages of self-custody, transparency, and autonomy native to DeFi, leading to an unparalleled, user-friendly DEX experience.
No more sacrificing control for performance and features. Self-custody like a DEX, trade like a CEX.
> [**Welcome to XDEX**.](https://testnet.xdexpro.com/en-US/trade/BTC_USDT)
[ ](https://docs.vertexprotocol.com/getting-started/table-of-contents)
